I, like many of you, have been enthralled and entertained by the non-stop Euro action over the past week or so. However, there is something to be said for the familiarity of MLS and a return to all the places and faces we love so well. For the next couple of weeks we get both! Let’s just say that my DVR will be very active. But in case you missed any of the MLS action in your Euro zeal, here’s what you need to know:
Both of Sunday’s games were marked by controversial non-calls. In the case of the Chicago Fire vs. the New York Red Bulls, a ball from Dominic Oduro clearly crossed the goal line before being cleared by NY defender Wilman Conde. Inexplicably, the ref did not give the Fire the goal (goal line technology, anyone?). Fortunately for the Fire, even this injustice did not prevent them from handing an Henry-and-Marquez-less NY their first loss in 6 games. Chicago broke their own 3-game losing streak with a 3-1 win.
The Portland Timbers, on the other hand, will be ruing the non-call that led to the LA Galaxy’s 1-0 win. As Portland ‘keeper Troy Perkins tried to come out to snag the ball off a Beckham corner kick, Landon Donovan effectively blocked him, allowing Todd Dunivant to nod in the game winner. Perkins had stopped and put his arms up to protest to the ref and did not have time to react to the shot. [Side note: never stop playing until the whistle blows! This is elementary soccer!] Perkins immediately had words for the ref, earning himself a yellow card for his efforts.
The shocker of the weekend was the Montreal Impact’s 4-1 romp over the Seattle Sounders, in their first game in the new Saputo Stadium. What a way to break in their new home! Montreal were already up 2-0 over Seattle when Jhon Kennedy Hurtado was sent off, leaving the Sounders down to 10 men, and they did not let up despite Seattle pulling one back. Check out our own Elizabeth Ibsen’s recap here.
Check out Saturday’s other results:
Image courtesy of mlssoccer.com
